suggestions for Entercom

[David Tomm]

The biggest problem in swapping frequencies is that WRKO could lose 
Rush Limbaugh in the process, which would just about kill the station 
altogether.  Rush affiliates tend to be big signal AM's or dominant 
news/talk stations.  I've heard some talk about Clear Channel moving 
Rush to WKOX after it's signal upgrade.  While 1200's signal would be 
improved over where it is now, it still won't have the coverage 680 
does.  Just look at Providence.  Clear Channel owns WHJJ and runs a 
talk format on it, but Rush remains on WPRO.  Why?  A better signal and 
a higher rated talk format than 920.  I can't see how Premiere would 
want the show to stay on a station downgrading frequencies. Moving WRKO 
to 850 could be enough for Rush to move.....to 96.9.   Then what does 
WRKO have?  Finneran, Feinberg and Savage.  They'd get crushed by WTKK, 
particularly in the drives.

Their best bet is to keep WRKO on 680 and bring Dennis and Callahan 
over to do mornings.  Tell them to skip the sports and do their hate 
radio schtick.  The wingnuts that usually listen to WRKO should eat 
that up, and it's their best bet to beat Howie Carr head to head.  Keep 
Feinberg and Rush where they are, and in afternoons pair Finneran with 
a veteran, out of market radio host, someone that can counter 
Finneran's comments with predictable right-wing spin.  That should be 
enough red meat to get the regulars to at least tune in occasionally.  
It won't beat WTKK but at least it keeps the station viable.  Once WRKO 
gets out from Finneran's contract, then they can do something higher 
profile in afternoons, but for the station to stay in the game with 
WTKK they have to find a way to take him off morning drive.  Hannity is 
not the answer for afternoons.  WRKO needs to stay local in drivetime, 
even with the Speakah, and besides, Hannity's done nothing to help 
WTTT.  Leave Weiner/Savage on at night, he's not hurting the station 
and it's cost effective. And for the short term, keep the Sox on 680.  
At least they'll get some listeners nights and weekends.

Dave Tomm
"Mike Thomas"



On Jul 13, 2007, at 9:51 AM, Kevin Vahey wrote:

> How do Julie Kahn and Jason Wolfe fix the mess they created?
>
> Start with the Red Sox. Since the move to WRKO was done partly because
> 680's signal was a little better at night just move WEEI to 680. This
> splitting the contract between 2 stations was one of the dumbest moves
> in Boston radio history.
>
> Now what to do with 850?  If possible retire the WRKO calls and see if
> they can work it out with Sunbeam to get the WHDH-AM calls back and
> then rebuild the station from scratch. Put Finnerian on at night, that
> would be a better fit for him. Rebuild your news staff.
>
> Wolfe has been considered the golden boy because of WEEI but what has
> he really done there? The biggest move he made was dumping Imus and
> going with Dennis and Callahan but then didn't have the guts to fire
> them after the Metco disaster.
>